18 Day New Zealand Grandeur

Kirra Small Group Tour starting in Christchurch and finishing in Auckland

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Kirra's 18 Day New Zealand Grandeur. Explore both islands of New Zealand on one of our Platinum itineraries. In the North Island experience sightseeing tours of Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Wellington and enjoy a stay in Tongariro National Park. Highlights in the South...read more Island include a Guided tour of Lanarch Castle, a visit to the Franz Josef thermal pools, a ride on the Famous TranzAlpine Train through the Southern Alps and an overnight wilderness cruise on the Doubtful Sound.

Kia Ora. Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand! On arrival, you will be transferred to our downtown city hotel where you will enjoy a welcome drinks reception. Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch

2

TranzAlpine, Franz Josef

A short drive brings us to the tiny train station of Springfield, gateway to the majestic Southern Alps. Board the award-winning TranzAlpine for the spectacular rail journey to Arthurs Pass, the South Island's highest altitude settlement. Enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River and traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. On to Franz Josef where you can relax and soak in the thermal pools after an invigorating day and sumptuous dinner. Stay:Te Waonui Forest Retreat (B/D)

3

Wanaka, Queenstown

Before our departure this morning, there is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region (subject to weather conditions). Later, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched wilderness and pristine lakes of the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. There is time to wander around the popular lakeside township of Wanaka before stopping at the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860's and home to a fascinating collection of mining cottages. Later this afternoon, travel on to Queenstown, regarded as New Zealand's premier holiday destination. Stay Two Nights:Heritage Hotel Queenstown (B)

4

At leisure in Queenstown

Today is a free day to experience this magnificent resort town. Queenstown boasts an incredible array of adventure and leisure activities and your Coach Captain can assist with any optional activities you would like to do. Experience the thrills of riding on the world famous Shotover Jet Boat, perhaps cruise Lake Wakatipu on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, take a 4WD tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous, try white water rafting. Alternatively, browse in the many shops and galleries. (B)

5

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu and travel through lush farmland to Te Anau. On to Manapouri, where you enjoy a leisurely cruise across this picturesque lake to West Arm. This is followed by a short coach trip on New Zealand's most expensive road, travelling over Wilmot Pass and pausing along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. At Deep Cove, your crew and the 'Fiordland Navigator' await.

Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, the 'Fiordland Navigator' blends old world charm with modern comfort and as you cruise through some of the fiord's most stunning scenery, knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region through their commentary. After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat or you can simply relax on board. As the majesty of Doubtful Sound unfolds before you, you will be struck by its silence ... a silence broken only by birdsong or the rushing of a distant waterfall. Its beauty and vastness will take your breath away. Overnight Cruise: Fiordland Navigator (B/L/D)

6

Manapouri, Dunedin

Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning before exploring other parts of the fiord. We retrace our steps back to Manapouri where you rejoin your coach for the journey to Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South. Stay Two Nights: Distinction Dunedin Hotel (B/D)

7

Otago Peninsula, Taieri Gorge

This morning enjoy spectacular views travelling along the Otago Peninsula to Wellers Rock where you will board a Monarch Wildlife Cruise. On the cruise watch out for NZ Furseals & NZ Sealions on their breeding rockeries as well an abundance of other wildlife such as Penguins, Dolphins and Albatross. Afterwards travel to Lanarch Castle for a guided tour learning about its tragic and mysterious history before enjoying a High Tea in the Grand Ballroom. The afternoon is yours at leisure to explore Dunedin and experience optional activities. (B)

8

Moeraki, Mt Cook

Stop to view the mystical Moeraki Boulders before travelling up the Waitaki Valley to Omarama. Your journey continues into the World Heritage Mt Cook National Park, with its 70,000 ha of breathtaking alpine scenery. After dinner, enjoy a guided tour of the Digital Dome Planetarium before your astronomy guides take you to their outdoor stargazing site where you explore different elements of the spectacular southern sky. Stay:Mt Cook Hermitage Hotel (B/D)

This morning you will travel north along the scenic Kaikoura coastline on to the charming fishing village of Picton where you board the Interislander Ferry and cruise through the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound into Cook Strait. Enjoy stunning views of New Zealand's capital city as you arrive into Wellington Harbour. Stay Two Nights: The Bolton Hotel (B)

11

At leisure in Wellington

Enjoy a brief city tour taking in all the major sights and then there is free time for exploring on your own. Situated on the Wellington waterfront, a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, is highly recommended. Another very popular excursion is a visit to the Weta Workshop, a world-leading design and special effects facility for major Hollywood film makers. (B)

12

Martinborough Wine Village

The town of Martinborough is located at the centre of the Wairarapa wine region and because of its close proximity to Wellington, makes it a popular weekend destination for locals. Many boutique wineries are within an easy walk of the town square and the region is particularly well known for its production of Pinot Noir wines. Stay:The Martinborough Hotel (B/D)

14

Taupo, Rotorua

First stop today is Taupo where you will enjoy time to stroll around this popular lakeside resort. View the mighty Huka Falls & Wairakei Geothermal Project before arriving at the geothermal resort of Rotorua. This evening, we enjoy a tour of Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and are treated to a traditional Maori hangi (feast) and cultural performance featuring Maori songs, chants and dance including the stirring haka. Stay Two Nights:Millennium Rotorua (B/D)

15

Lake Rotoiti Cruise & Redwood Treetop Walk

Today's highlight is an exclusive cruise across the serene, clear waters of Lake Rotoiti. Explore native bays and coves of the lake under sail on our luxury catamaran and bathe in the thermal waters of the Manupirua Pools, accessible only by boat. Later, enjoy a suspended treetop eco-walk amongst Rotorua's gentle giants in the Redwood Forest and get a unique bird's eye perspective of these 110 year old trees and the lush flora below. (B)

16

Rotorua, Hobbiton, Auckland

Cross the Mamaku Ranges this morning and leave Rotorua behind, travelling into the lush farmlands of the Waikato, a peaceful and idyllic area noted for dairy farming and its horse studs. Arrive into Matamata and meet your guide who will escort your group on a fun and interesting Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tour, taking in the picturesque set locations and providing a deeper look behind the scenes of the filming for the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Trilogy. After your tour enjoy a a fully themed Marquee Festive Feast. Travel onto Auckland the "City of Sails" for a City Sights Tour before arriving at your hotel for an evening at leisure. Stay:Pullman Auckland Hotel (2 nights) (B/L)

17

At leisure in Auckland

With a full day to explore the vibrant city of Auckland why not take a stroll and check out the cafe culture evident in the city's winding laneways or the fabulous Viaduct precinct. No visit would be complete without a trip to the summit of the magnificent Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for superb city and harbour views. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with drinks to celebrate with your new-found friends. (B/D)

18

Depart Auckland

Sadly, your holiday ends after breakfast this morning. Here we bid you farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay. (B)

The prices and specials we advertise on our website, provide you with last minute Kirra Tour specials, earlybird specials and exclusive savings ensuring the quote we provide you is the best value anywhere in the country. Global Journeys are committed to providing the highest quality of service combined with the lowest possible price. If you think that you have found the same trip cheaper elsewhere, let us know when requesting your quote. T&C's apply.

Travelling Solo?

As a solo traveller we give you the option of a guaranteed single room when you purchase the single supplement. Alternatively, we can match you with another traveller (of the same gender) on a Twin Share basis. There may be instances where there are no other solo travellers on tour, and in these cases we will provide you with a single room at no extra cost. Whilst we do try our best to match individuals together we remind you that in selecting the share option, compatibility cannot be guaranteed and this offer is conditional on acceptance of this factor.

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Tour Notes
Trip prices are per person, and reflect applicable discounts. Discounts are subject to availability, exclusive to Global Journeys and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change by Kirra. Full terms & conditions are available here.